Biological systems act differently under the low pressure, low gravity conditions found in outer space. For example, in 2007, scientists observed that microorganisms that had spent 12 days in orbit had enhanced pathogenicity. Salmonella, bacteria that cause food poisoning, were significantly more potent when used to infect mice, than control organisms kept on earth. In-depth proteomic studies, revealed a number of differences between the space-bugs and earth-bound organisms. A suspect protein, called Hfq, that may be responsible for the increased virulence, was identified.
Several research laboratories around the world are involved in studies that may be useful to existing space programs. The results of these studies can help us understand biochemical mechanisms here on earth, while also contributing to the success of space station programs. Research at the Department of Environmental Biology, University of Guelph (Ontario, Canada) has contributed to programs of NASA, the Canadian Space Agency and the European Space Agency. In U of Guelph's Controlled Environment Systems Research Facility, plants and micro-organisms grown in low-pressure and microgravity conditions are studied for potential use in long-distance space missions. Other projects investigate biofiltration techniques, hydroponics and nutrient cycling (to assist agricultural practices in space), and fibre optic lighting systems.